In the perfectionist mindset, we get fixed in our expectations, whether it is with ourselves or others, and then we set ourselves up for disappointment, frustration, and even resentment.
Excellence, however, is moveable, adaptable, and abundant - with endless possibilities. It generates innovation and excitement.
Perfectionism: The Unrealistic and Dangerous Standard
Excellence and perfectionism may appear similar on the surface, but they have some fundamental differences. Perfectionism is an unrealistic standard that focuses on flawless execution and achieving an ideal state of perfection. Perfectionists often set impossibly high standards for themselves, and anything less than perfection is seen as a failure.
Perfectionism can lead to a fear of failure, a lack of confidence, and a constant feeling of being unsatisfied with one's performance.
Excellence: Giving Up Perfection for a Healthy Growth Mindset
Excellence, on the other hand, is a mindset or an approach that focuses on doing your best, continuously improving, and striving for excellence in all that you do. It is a commitment to quality, attention to detail, and a willingness to put in the effort required to achieve the desired outcome.
Excellence is about setting high standards for yourself, and continuously working towards those standards, with the understanding that you can always improve and do better.
Another difference between excellence and perfectionism is the way they affect one's mental state. Pursuing excellence can be motivating and energizing, while perfectionism can be draining and anxiety-provoking.
The Drain and Strain of Perfectionism
While striving for excellence can be healthy and productive, perfectionism can be damaging to one's mental and emotional well-being. Perfectionists often experience a lot of stress and pressure, and may even avoid taking risks or trying new things for fear of failure. Pursuing excellence is about striving for the best, while recognizing that there is always room for improvement. Perfectionism, on the other hand, is about setting an impossible standard and striving for an unattainable ideal.
How to Shift from Perfectionism to Excellence
If you are a perfectionist, there are a few things you can do to shift to a more healthy and productive mindset of excellence:
Identify your perfectionistic thoughts and behaviors. The first step to shifting from perfectionism to excellence is to become aware of your perfectionistic thoughts and behaviors. Once you are aware of them, you can start to challenge them and replace them with more realistic and helpful thoughts and behaviors.
Set realistic goals and expectations. Perfectionists often set impossibly high standards for themselves. Instead of setting unrealistic goals, set realistic and achievable goals that you can work towards.
Celebrate your successes. When you achieve a goal, no matter how small, take the time to celebrate your success. This will help you to appreciate your accomplishments and boost your self-esteem.
Learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Instead of beating yourself up over your mistakes, learn from them and move on.
Focus on the process, not the outcome. Perfectionists often focus on the outcome of a task, rather than the process of completing the task. Instead of focusing on the outcome, focus on enjoying the process and doing your best.
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